I know it is hard to believe, but if the TOBS is still getting cakey and sticky, it means you need MORE water. You need to add the water gradually. The only proper way to find out when you have added too much water is when the lather "breaks" and becomes a runny mess. Then you have added too much water, but by just a little. What you are looking for is a slight sheen on the lather, not the frothy tips you see in videos, all air and no slick. You need water. Some guys only use water and dove hand soap.I'm thinking of ditching the TOBS. No matter how wet I make it, it ends up "cakey" and sticky. Smells great, but more interested in performance while I learn. I've ordered some of the (apparently) good but stinky stuff: Arko, as well as a couple samples from a local artisan that uses a tallow base.
With that being said, ARKO! is great stuff! My LOTH loves the scent